Developing a knowledge value chain framework for tendering in Sri Lankan construction organizations

Abstract

The construction industry in Sri Lanka, like many in developing nations, faces persistent inefficiencies in tendering processes due to fragmented knowledge practices and inadequate knowledge management systems. This study presents the preliminary findings of a broader research project aimed at developing an advanced Knowledge Value Chain Management (KVCM) framework to address these challenges. Drawing on both theoretical underpinnings and empirical insights, the research critiques the limitations of existing tendering models for the purpose of developing a KVCM framework to structure, process, and leverage organizational knowledge. Preliminary insights suggest that successful integration of the KVC approach requires not only process-level adjustments but also a cultural and infrastructural shift toward strategic knowledge sharing and ICT-enabled systems. This paper forms part of an ongoing research initiative that culminates in the formulation of a comprehensive, context-sensitive KVCM model for the Sri Lankan construction sector. By bridging knowledge management principles with tendering strategy, this study contributes to the emerging discourse on knowledge-based competitiveness in project-driven industries. It underscores the strategic potential of KVC integration to foster institutional memory, improve tendering efficiency, and support sustainable organizational learning in developing construction markets. This contribution advances the discourse on knowledge management in project-based industries and underscores the strategic role of knowledge as an asset in competitive tendering environments.